Returning to work after Mar leave

[Helen4740]

AIBU - Returning to to work after maternity leave

before going on maternity leave I worked at a busy hotel as head of the events department, I have worked in this position for 7 years - 45 hours per week, nearly every weekend and lots of late nights.

I began my maternity leave in October and hadn’t discussed my return with my employer, after having my baby in November I knew I wouldn’t be able to return to my current position full time and due to the nature of the business, I knew it was unlikely I’d be offered a part time roll. I approached my employer with my concerns and that I would like to return to the business but Ideally I could only work 2 days a week and not weekends. I wanted to lay it out on the table, assuming there would be some mediation. My employer offered me a different role in a different department and it was agreed I would still work 1 weekend a month and 2 days per week. The department I am moving to shall be a new part of the hotel which is due to open in end of May start of June, when discussing my return date I offered to use my keeping in touch days to return slightly earlier for training etc (my maternity ends and my new contract starts August 1st) I had envisioned the KIT days being spread over June and July as I really want to make the most of the time with my baby and not return too soon. The opening of the department has been delayed to the end of June and I recently received an email from the head of the department implying I would be starting end of June and all of July using my 10 kit days over 5 weeks. This pretty much means I’m not “keeping in touch” I’m just returning 5 weeks earlier. I’m greatful that Iv been given the position and don’t know if I should just suck it up - I havnt signed a new contract yet and I’m scared my employer will take the offer away if I can’t start for the opening. I really don’t want to use all 10 kit days in such a short space of time.
opionis please!

You’ve said you don’t want to go back to your old role. Presumably that’s still there for you in August? They’ve offered you a new role which fits your needs but they need you sooner. Seems reasonable so up to you if you want to take it or not? You can say you’re not ready til August but they might have found someone else by then?

You could dig your heels in over the kit days as there is no obligation for you to accept them. But you may risk relations with your employer.
Good luck

You don't have to use all or any KIT days, your choice.

This is true, but her employer also doesn't have to give her this role. She's already told them she doesn't want to go back to her old role. She's lucky in that they are pretty much creating a role for her. I doubt they envisioned a two day a week plus one weekend role for someone when they were adding to the hotel.

You can try explaining what you want to them, but don't be surprised if they don't jump at making any more changes.

I guess it’s more of the fact the opening has been delayed which has changed the initial agreement - if I don’t agree to do the KIT days and return on the agreed return date of August 1st, can my employer take the position away from me? We don’t have an HR so I don’t ka now where I stand if the position has been offered with a start date, the KIT days were more of a good will, meet in the middle - can I change my mind if I’m not ready?

Why can you no longer work weekends? Did you put in a flexible working request re: returning to work? Just to protect you op, make sure you have followed all procedures and have in writing your new role!

Yes a company doesn’t havent to keep a job open to suit you. And isn’t the fact it’s delayed better as it’s later?

I think your employer has gone above and beyond. You need to show some willingness. It really is only 2 days a week.

I don’t know if they can remove the offer of the new job but considering it’s only two days a week and they’ve accommodated your request I’d do the KIT days in your position.

how many kit did you envision using. Did you communicate how many?

It sounds like you said ‘I can use my kit days’ whic la they have taken to mean all your kit days. which is how I took it when I read itS

You say you ‘envisioned’ them being spread over June and July. Did you tell them that, or is that just how you imagined it?